Tip-In: Raptors Start Season With Win Against Cavs
by Adam Francis on Dec 27, 2011 10:30 AM EST
in Tip-In (Post Game Reports)
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It might be one of their few wins this season, but Toronto started things off with a W in Cleveland. The HQ takes a look at what should be a satisfying win for Raptors' fans.
One down, sixty-five more to go.
As Toronto Raptors' head coach Dwane Casey said post-game, "I don't want to get too excited on wins and I don't want to get too upset on losses."
A solid point, but after watching the Dinos convincingly beat the Cleveland Cavaliers last night, 104 to 96, it's hard not to be a little more optimistic about the team this year than perhaps you were a week or so ago.
Yes, the win came against a Cavs team that's likely headed for another top three spot in the lottery, one that was running it's offense at times through Andersen Varejao and Antawn Jamison, who looks to have aged 20 years in the past two.
But there was a lot to like in this win, and let's start on the defensive end.
Toronto out-rebounded their opponent by 8, blocked 9 shots, all in the first half, and consistently helped on D, especially around the rim where guys like Amir Johnson, Ed Davis and even James Johnson consistently made plays. The rim protection was as good as I can remember since the days of Antonio Davis and Keon Clark and it was a joy to see even guys like Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani get in on the action.
You could really see the team's commitment to defence and not just in terms of blocking shots. With the exception of a few blown plays, guys were hustling out on shooters, fighting through screens, helping down low...it was a completely new look. Only once last season could I recall as solid an overall defensive performance and that was about a year ago to the day, when the Raptors upset a Dirk-less Dallas Mavericks' crew.
Again, yes, playing a woeful Cavs' team, but it's not so much the statistical results that seemed to shine through, it was the defensive methodology.
And that's really where this game was won as while Toronto's offense ended up with stats like "53 per cent shooting from the field," and "43 per cent shooting from 3," other stats like 13 free-throws, to Cleveland's 28, give you an idea that not all was perfect at that end of the floor. The Raptors hit their shots last night for the most part, but this is still far and away a jump-shooting team.
To rack up the W's this season, the team needs to get it done on D, which is what they did last night.
It will help that win column though if the Raptors can execute offensively the way they did last night.
Jose Calderon turned in a vintage Jose performance, (right down to the "fall down after scoring" lay-up, dishing out 11 assists, scoring an efficient 15 points, all the while ensuring the offense kept moving when he was on the court. This stood in stark contrast unfortunately to Jerryd Bayless, who more and more looks to me like a Marcus Thornton type; a shooting-guard who when pressed into PG duty, can at times work, but it's not who you want running your offence for 35 minutes a game.
Jose may be overpaid but last night showed just how important he is for this team.
Chris Paul or Derrick Rose he is not.
But without him, this team could be in a for a world of hurt.
It's not just his own assists, but by making the extra pass, other players started following suit and soon Ed Davis was dropping it off in the paint for Amir, and James Johnson was finding DeRozan on a kick-out.
Speaking of Johnson, he too was one of last night's MVP's. Along with Jose's play at the 1, and Amir and Ed in the paint, the other Johnson played some excellent D, rebounded the ball, found teammates (he had five assists) and was a key part of this victory. Rasual Butler got the start but thankfully Johnson got the bulk of the minutes, including key ones in the game's final minutes. He's still turnover prone, and his shooting needs a lot of work, but he looks like a perfect 8th man off the bench on a good team and I had a tough time watching last night, and not thinking that should the Raptors add some A level talent next off-season, guys like Johnson and Amir would be fantastic as "first off the pine" types.
The only other two players we should touch on are the team's two marquee names, DeMar DeRozan and Andrea Bargnani. Both played very interesting matches with DeMar being essentially invisible till late in the game, and Andrea being up and down throughout. Both are going to have to be more consistent against other clubs, but it was encouraging to see both step it up when it mattered most, and while Andrea's numbers look about the same as usual (5 for 12), two fouls, only six rebounds, etc, he was a plus nine on the night and I felt helped the club more often than not.
More importantly to me, Casey scaled the minutes back for both he and DeRozan a bit, riding the hot hand of Davis, Amir Johnson and Barbosa etc, something I'm hoping we see continue against the Indiana Pacers tomorrow night.
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K. Irving Gives a Bump To Jose's Fantasy League Fans
Does anyone seriously think that K.. Irving can play NBA defense? Prior to last night he had played in 11 post high school games (games that count). Irving is the closest thing to a Fantasy Fan’s dream, that is if your fantasy team has a decent or better PG on it going up against Irving.
What about Tristan Thompson lighting up “I’m So Cool” Ed. 13 points in 17 minutes by TT? After the game he was probably thinking. If all NBA second string defenders put as much effort into defense as Ed Davis this NBA thing is going to be a cake walk.
If Jose loves Amir’s P&R game on offense just wait until Jonas arrives. Jonas and Amir could extend Jose’s stay in T-Dot indefinitely. LOL
Buddahfan, there is no need to submarine Ed Davis to make your man crush Amir Johnson look better. Both played excellent games last night. TT’s 13 points were not because of Ed Davis’ defense…
Just calling it as it is.
Nothing to do with Amir. Amir plays mostly at Center in case you forgot.
I just don’t like Davis. Never once have I ever read anything about him or watched him say anything about his wanting to be Toronto and loving or at least liking Toronto. I give cudos to Bargnani for applying for Canadian citizenship.
Ed Davis has a number of good qualities.
1. He is smooth on the court
2. He can get open for easy shots and make them
3. He is a very good rebounder
4. He is a pretty good passer for a big man
5. He has good footwork around the basket
That is about all I see about him that I like Not that having those qualities for a big man are not important.
However, I just don’t see him ever embracing Toronto as a place that he wants to play his home games. I see him leaving Toronto first chance he gets. I don’t see any more than less than passable defense from him. Someday he may develop a decent mid-range game.
Hopefully for the Raptors and his Raptors fanboy club I am proven wrong regarding my negatives on Davis.
just for information completeness
It came across to me that Andrea asking for Canadian citizenship had more to do with tax related money management than anything else. Not to say he hasn’t expressed his love for the city many times. Now that you mention, it is indeed true that Ed never expressed any particular attachment to Toronto, but I would not read too much into it as I don’t think I have heard Ed saying much just about anything and for all we know he may absolutely love the place.
Yeah
That shot came outta nowhere
Davis’s line 18 min 7-7 FG 7 REB 2 assists and 2 blocks.
That being said Thompson’s performance, not necessarily against Ed, made me proud. He looked like he belonged on the court. Lets hope he suits up for Team Canada.
Yeah that was random. Ed Davis was huge last night and not sure what him not saying he wants to be in Toronto forever has to do with anything. DeMar has never come out and stated that for the record either.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Dec 27, 2011 6:00 PM EST up reply actions
Ed vs TT
If you watched closely, TT put up a couple quick baskets on Ed and then Ed picked up his game and fought right back taking TT to the basket. To me it looked like he got challenged by the rookie, and then he fought back and looked better. They both played the same minutes and Ed got an extra point, didn’t miss a shot (7 for 7) and blocked a shot as opposed to TT who got blocked and got 2 extra rebounds. Actually, after the first minute or two of matching up with TT, Ed was the superior player by far.
Amir played great too, but Ed Davis is earning more minutes and his game translates very well to the NBA. He helped his college team win the NCAA title in his first year, he would be a junior in college and he’s loaded with potential.
Amir looked bigger and quicker as well. Love the hustle and heart. Love em both. Two favourite guys on the team, so don’t throw our best current asset, (JV and Ed IMO) under the bus after he goes 7 for 7 in 17 minutes and has 7 boards. It is silly and doesn’t pass the sniff test.
Ed has not said he wants to be in Toronto? So what? He hasn’t said anything, so right back at you, he hasn’t said he doesn’t want to be in Toronto. Maybe he’s a private person. Maybe he’s twenty years old, playing on one of the worst teams in the NBA and he isn’t ready to commit to the city in his mind. And maybe if we start winning and showing potential, he will “REALLY WANT TO STAY” I think the young core coming in and the new attitude in the coaching staff will appeal greatly to Ed.
by defensive rap on Dec 27, 2011 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
I Expect To See Jamaal Start At Center
the next two games if Casey goes by his size thing. Hibbert and then Hayward are up next for the Raps.
Wouldn't hurt to try this
Alternatively, they could have him primed to come in early if either of those guys got off to a hot start. Against Hayway, you don’t expect him to have much impact on the offensive end, so maybe you can get away with Amir or Ed guarding him, as long as he is not getting offensive boards and put backs.
Like the new look Raps
What impressed me most about last night’s game was the fact that I could watch without cringing the entire game on the defensive end. Great effort by all the young players. Casey is obviously a difference maker here.
Even on the offensive end, we saw a much more ballanced offensive structure where the ball moved freely. Which was a great change from give it to Andrea and let him shoot, inefficiently.
Special shout outs:
Amir Johnson was a beast. Amir and Jose running the pick and roll is a thing of beauty! Amir, Ed and James Johnson patrolling the paint on the defensive end is fun to watch.
James Johnson is the most intriguing player on this team to me right now. He has the tool kit to be a special defensive player and an across the board stat stuffer.
Jose Calderone was brilliant, he looks healthy for the first time in a while. Let’s see how long it lasts though…
Ed Davis was brilliant. I’d like to point out that he out performed Bargnani by a wide margin, out producing him in most statistial catagories in just over half the minutes with better defense. This is going to be an interesting story line… The one where Ed Davis stays on lockdown while out playing Bargnani…
Deceiving
Can’t knock the big Italian this time
Barg – 30 minutes + 9
Davis – 18 minutes – 1
Failed to see anyone outperform the other- our bigs looked good against the Cav’s bigs. Which doesn’t say much.
fair is fair
Yesterday Davis, besides the usual quickness on the bounce has shown some nice back to the basket moves and throughout the game he was more effective. Strange game for Andrea, he was the tallest guy around and he posted up just a few times. It must be told that in none of those times he was given the ball, maybe that has to do with it. His shooting % is not that bad, if you count that 3 (or 4, not sure) times he had to shoot as the time was running out. I haven’t seen anybody here making any mention on how him and DD move without the ball this year, something that was refreshing to see.
+/- is the most irrelevant stat out there
irrespective of what they report.
+1
Couldn’t agree more!
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Dec 27, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
I thought +/- made sense by and large though last night, especially in terms of Jerryd’s contributions.
Andrea was Andrea to me, with less usage on O (great to see) and more bounce on D. I’ll take it!
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Dec 27, 2011 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
I have nothing against the +/- stat, but as always some context needs to be put into it (specifically when you look at an individual game).
Ed got stuck out there with the Blackholes that were Bayless and Barbossa, who were easily out played by Gee and Sessions (specifically in the 2nd half). Easily the worst stretch of the game was when B & B were playing some kind of game of “who can make the worse decisions next time up the floor” (ok that might be a stretch but the team was much better with almost non-existent Derozan and very existent Jose out there).
I would without a doubt take Bargnani’s performance last night over an ‘average’ career game from him. Less shots, more rebounds, some effort on defense. But Ed was, without a doubt, the better player last night. Now ofcourse the caveat is he played less minutes, and more time may or may not have been a negative. But I personally think the game should have ended with:
PG – Jose
SG – Demar (only because his doing nothing up until that point was greater than Bayless and Barbossa trying to force everything)
SF – J. Johnson
PF – Ed
C – Amir
And this isn’t because I thought Bargs was terrible (as I usually do), but rather because Ed was good. In the end it didn’t matter much, and it was only one game, but going forward I really want to see this team giving the best players minutes on any given night, and the worse players having to earn an opportunity to get more/maintain their minutes.
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Dec 27, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Difference was
in my opinion, you can run an iso trough Andrea, not trough Davis.
and running an iso
alone shouldn’t be enough reason to play one guy or another.
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Dec 27, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
no, but one player being a building block
while one player being a trade asset (hopefully) is, especially when a very good argument can be made for losing as many games as possible
I understand the philosophy
of building Bargnani’s trade value. And therefore he needs to play minutes to keep that value up. I just don’t buy that that is whats actually going to happen nor his reason for playing ahead of Ed last night. Call me a pessimist on this front, but I fully expect Bargnani to be here for 3 more years.
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Dec 27, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
it is
if your Offense essentially consists of two players, one being the one who could run the iso. At the moment Davis has more or less the range of Dwigth Howard .
last night this teams offense was clearly NOT just one player, but rather a combination of everyone not named Magloire and Butler.
The comment regarding Davis’s range is ridiculous. We saw him last year hit the 15 fters and he did so again last night. Most bigs in the league don’t shoot 22 fters all day long (Bosh and Bargnani). Sometimes I think Raps fans are stuck in this philosophy that that is somehow a necessity.
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Dec 27, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
well, I guess it boils down to
whether in a situation like that (when Andrea came back in the 4th) and the Cavs were coming back and we could not score, you would trust more having Davis out there or Andrea. I leave you your opinion, I will keep mine.
and one of the reasons
the Raps were letting Cleveland back into the game was the play of Barbossa and Bayless.
If ‘scoring’ was the only criteria and it was the absolute ‘necessity’ I would, on average, take Bargnani. But Ed was 7/7 with 7 boards (4 offensive) at that point last night. Bargnani was 3/8 with 5 boards (0 offensive).
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Dec 27, 2011 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
just to be fair with Andrea (liek I was with Davis)
3 of those failed attempt were late shots he took as he got the ball with 2 seconds on the clock.
However I am not here to dispute Ed’s stats or convincing bringing Andrea in at that moment was the right thing to do. I am trying to explain what a possible rationale behind it could have been. The decision taken was bring Andrea in and he made a 2/2, for all we know in the same time frame Ed could have scored 20. Decisions on risk management are always debatable and everybody is welcome to debate them (as long as they sing Ustation’s Manifesto)
Plus let’s not forget who was in the game (Davis) and who was out of the game (Bargnani) when the lead was built in the first place. Hilarious hearing how Bargnani is so superior to Davis offensively, when Davis was 7/7 from the field with a few short jumpers and strong post moves. Typical…
typical
is just your reading of what has been said
every stat, always, needs context and sample size.
by Justin Azevedo on Dec 27, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
That’s why I tried not to jump TOO deep into last night’s stats in this recap. The sample size in this case is only this game and against the Cavs.
That being said, really looking forward to the match versus the Pacers now.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Dec 27, 2011 6:09 PM EST up reply actions
NSFS
Completly agree with your line-up and rationale. Didn’t go into it but I’ve got a strong feeling that we’ll see this quintet as being the best group for Toronto.
And indeed, felt that Ed suffered at the hands of Jerryd and Barbosa during that stretch.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Dec 27, 2011 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
Horrible Offence
Our goal this season is to change the culture on this team and to build for the future.
THE LAST THING WE NEED TO DO IS WIN OR LOSE A BUNCH OF GAMES WHEN BOTH TEAMS SCORED OVER 120 PTS. AS A BARE MINIMUM GOAL, THE RAPTORS SHOULD BE THE MOST IMPROVED DEFENSIVE TEAM IN THE LEAGUE.
IF OUR OFFENCE FALLS OFF A LOT THIS YEAR, TO ME THAT IS PART OF THE REBUILDING PROCESS AND I CAN LIVE WITH IT. REMEMBER, OUR OFFENCE WAS “GOOD” LAST YEAR…..
ED DAVIS, AMIR JOHNSON AND JAMES JOHNSON CAN ALL PLAY GOOD D. JV LOOKS CAPABLE AS WELL. THE OFFENCE WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF, LET’S FOCUS ON WHAT WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS, AND IN CASE IF YOU HAVEN’T HEARD, “DEFENCE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.”
by defensive rap on Dec 27, 2011 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
Just because it is in capitals, doesn't make your point any different than every other time-nor does it make it more interesting!
Although I don’t necessarily disagree with your point, you are overstating it. Star players win championships too. You do need to score points and we do need to improve on defence. Last night, Bargnani scored points and improved on defence – so he too helped accomplish your goal. Both you and I know that the only news you ever want to hear about Barney is that he has been traded-fine. But how is you sticking your head in the sand yelling ‘D ONLY! THE O WILL SORT ITSELF OUT’ any different from Triano only giving lip service to D, but paying it no mind in games? We know what you are always going to rant about and who on our team you will attack (the hint is in your handle), but the Raps have been needing two way players for years now.
Walker McKenna
by Robert Archibald on Dec 28, 2011 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
Just one game, but
Barg: O-rating = 118; D-rating = 114
Davis: O-rating = 208; D-rating = 109
"We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct."
- Niels Bohr
Sorry, unauthorized hotlinking of copyrighted material not permitted.
Agree about JJ. Anyone catch that pass he made from the elbow to someone (can’t remember who) right beside the net? Incredible
elephant shell
never question our ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory - yardly
Saw that, I think it was Barbosa...
Nailed him right in the hands for a shockingly easy two… it was nice…
"the Truth"
Rotation and minutes
No complaints on lineups and minutes for once in a couple years … maybe waited a little long to bring bargs back in, the lead was down to two. Nice to see the team ride the hot hand as long as possible, but the second time amir fell down in the paint, it was like … ok, we need our creators in there, slim pickings as they are.
Hope to see a 10 man rotation like this, with guys like gray and magloire being interchangeable.
Hope Gray is ok too on that note.
I too liked that the rotation actually made sense. I mean, Casey rode the hot hand, he got guys in and out, and there was only one fleeting moment where I wasn’t sure about a personnel call. Weird!
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Dec 27, 2011 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
Throughout his years hear
we have seen that when healthy Jose is a very good point guard. He runs an offence as good as any PG in the league. And just a likeable guy. If that trade to the Lakers went down years ago he’d be seen in a different light.
Team looked good, any flaw was in Bayless recklessness. The talent is there – needs to grow as a player. His developement will be interesting to watch. Glad we still have Jose
On that note
Another Spanish PG made his NBA debut. The usual talking heads here defined him the most overrated player ever ever to enter the NBA. After having seen all this year most sought after rookies play, he is the ROY of the first round. Way to go Riky, Irving, as a pg, atm has nothing on you.
Kevin love
“I never plaid with a PG like him (Rubio) he is every big man wet dream”
have a look at his game , not just highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ZtzLSAAcA
among the rest, at 12:20 assist to Kevin Love between Westbrooks legs :)
I proposed last year a trade Davis Rubio. As good as Davis is and has been, it seems like it could have been a steal for us
Hahaha. Great quote Renato, missed that.
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Dec 27, 2011 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
Jose has never been the problem here in Toronto. He’s an excellent point guard despite the pylon-like defence.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Dec 27, 2011 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
On a win; good boy Jose, on a loss
and it’s crap on Jose day. On a loss, running the team means nothing, on a win it does. On a loss, lets trade him, then on a win he’s so valuable. On a loss the only important thing is that he can’t keep anyone infront of him. Which is it anyway?
I think it depends
on who you ask.
I have always been a Jose fan and defender. I’ve always thought he is one of the better (and few) floor generals in the league. That is ofcourse offset by his pay cheque and injuries… but in general Jose will be a net positive night in and night out.
I don’t think we are going to see alot of 15 pt and 6 reb nights from Jose. (Getting 10+ assists will never be a rarity for him ofcourse) But last night I think 2 things helped him alot:
1) playing against a rookie PG
2) getting the majority of minutes with Amir. I’m not sure there are any 2 non-superstars in the league that work as well together as those two.
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Dec 27, 2011 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
and the fact
the Cavs had no business defending P&Roll
I think we always call it like it is with the team. From Bosh to Jose to Marcus Banks. All have been criticized. All have been praised. Just depends on the situation. Who knows whether this is just a healthier Jose or just one game. As I noted, he’s no Chris Paul etc, but he played great last night so deserves praise. Tomorrow is another game!
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Dec 27, 2011 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
alwais been a big Jose supporterw
and it was a pleasure seeing him olaying that well
I like Jose but he's always been too inconsistent to be the lead PG
Last night he had a fantastic game but the next 2 are likely to be average to below average. When he’s good he’s really good but far too often he’s below par. He’d be the perfect back up for us when his contract expires because he’s experienced and trustworthy as far as running the team. After watching a couple of pre season games as well as last night’s game, I think we better add a PG to our shopping list next summer. It’s still early and wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too early to write Bayless off but my gut feeling is we’ll need a starting calibre PG to replace Jose.
Jose is not inconsistent
Look at his stats. Look at his turnover rate? Look at what a terrible team he plays for? He is the general of this team and he runs the offence. the offence has been very good for such a bad team for a long time. Jose deserves a lot of credit for that and he shoots the ball very well.
Come on people, Jose is a good PG. He is not CP or DW, not even close. But he is better than the average PG in the league and he does try hard at all times and makes me as a fan proud, even if he isn’t the elite level PG we hoped for. He is better than Luke Ridnour, I will add again (as I disputed on an earlier post). Jose plays on a bad team and he offers excellent offensive flow in difficult situations. Weak defender, strong offensive leader. Keep going Jose, I hope you are a Raptor for life (but the next contract pays you a lot less per year).
by defensive rap on Dec 27, 2011 7:32 PM EST up reply actions
I only saw the
clips linked here. But I thought he looked damn good in them.
by Not so Friendly Stranger on Dec 27, 2011 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not sure what to think. He got so killed by the media last year for his stats in Euroleague etc, so maybe the pendelum has now swung too far in the other direction. That’s the media for ya!
Adam Francis - Publisher - RaptorsHQ.com
by Adam Francis on Dec 27, 2011 6:19 PM EST up reply actions
yes
If defences figure out his game and play off him, he better knock down shots. Like a rookie hitter in baseball, the opponents teams will adjust to him and then we will see if he can counter those adjustments. We will have to wait and see.
Irving had a bad game but it is way too early to say Rubio is better. Irving has had 11 games above the high school level. Rubio has been a full time professional for many years know. We will have to wait and see. Anybody with a stronger opinion than that is full of it IMO because we don’t have any real data yet. I
by defensive rap on Dec 27, 2011 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
Irving had a bad game but it is way too early to say Rubio is better.
people are actually saying that? wow.
by Justin Azevedo on Dec 28, 2011 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
Behind The Draft 4 Part Video on Raptors.com
Almost 50 minutes long. Long interviews with Kemba, Brandon, Tristan, Corey. The Jonas part is primarily in videos #3 and #4.
BC mentions that he had at least one offer of a current “star” player for the #5 pick but when Jonas was on the board at #5 BC turned down the offer. No mention of who that or those star players were.
Highly recommend for Raptors fans
Basketball is back and we're undefeated
lol
.
As games go, this one was okay. It’s the first in a long time of being off.
- Amir – was very impressed with Johnson, not simply because of his effort and the resulting boxscore, but because he played 32+ minutes like that. Budda should be happy.
- Jose was on top of his game. I’m still convinced he stays past this season – pending a deal that BC can’t refuse – and that Bayless may find himself elsewhere. I think we need to obtain a PG for next year, either thru the draft, or a trade/Free Agent acquisition. If that happens, I want Jose teaching him.
- Davis played a good game, but he wasn’t excellent, as some are portraying his game play. Excellent is what I’d reserved for Jose & Amir. Tristan gave him fits, as Ed did to Tristan. I’d like to see Ed get more minutes, and I think 32+ for Amir is pushing his limits, so a better balance between these two could work.
- Bargnani – he was okay on the Offensive side, and much better on the defensive side. Jamieson was 6 for 20 — not solely because of Andrea, but he had an important effect. Personally I felt a relief in the 4th Quarter when Jose, Andrea, Johnson & Derozan jumped back in – the lead was getting precarious at that point. Derozan & Bargnani took a slim 3 point lead, and returned it to a 10 point margin – with less than 2 minutes to go. That’s when the salami and cheese came out.
- Demar – took a slow start and helped seal the win in the 4th Quarter.
- James Johnson – first up, the NBA boxscore has to differentiate between James and Amir – wtf is with that. It’s confusing to follow the play-by-play break-down. I thought JJ played a very good game, considering he played 36 minutes.
- The Bigs – a trio of Andrea, Amir & Ed as the main Bigs in this year’s lineup should be entertaining. Plust it gives Casey the ability to adjust for opponent rosters. The more I think about it, and I know there are playing minute issues with this thought, but a 4 man rotation of JV, Amir, Andrea & Ed would be one of the most dynamic group of Bigs out there. Some minutes can be cherry-picked from the SF position – depending upon the opponent, as well as allowance for injuries. Situations like what Amir experienced, and where we had quality Big reserves, could have avoided surgery if we just rested the guy.
- Bayless – As hard as I am on Jarryd, I still think it’s way too early to judge him. But he does have an uphill battle. I really think he needs to let go of that ego, which believes he should be starting. If he gets over that hump, he could do well.
.
If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.
Salami and Cheese
Devlin has made me miss Chuck,
Sigh
by Tinmann on Dec 27, 2011 9:52 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Changes
It’s a new era in Raptor basketball. Three changes they should make
1. tv commentator- I would vote for Eric Smith if he wants the job. We need a change
2. playing time is earned and accountability is very important
3. pizza when we keep the opponent under 90 Pts
Pound the rock baby.
1-65?
Nice to see the Raptors won’t finish the season 0-66. Their next goal will be to avoid going 1-65.
All kidding aside, this seems like a mostly good news game. The Raptors won mostly due to the things they did right (hitting their shots, making an effort on defense). As long as all the usual suspects(Ed, Amir, DD, Bayless, JJ) are getting minutes and hopefully improving then I don’t really care that Bargnani continues to start(as long as his PT is only in the 30 min range). All I want to see for now, is that Bargnani’s minutes taper off when he plays below his capabilities.
Looking forward to seeing how things go against the Pacers who look like they are turning into an entertaining and quite decent team.
the accountability system is in place already
as you saw Andrea went to ride the pine when he was out hustled by Varejao and the same happen to Ed Davis (do not remember now what he did, but it came across his substitution was a reflection of something he did on the floor)
long may that continue
Hopefully this kind of accountability becomes a trend and not a one time thing.
That is the way we operate from now on
From now on we treat our players like men and expect them to be accountable for their play and offer playing time as a reward for good play on both sides of the ball.
Pound the rock baby.
re Accountability and depth
Will become even easier as our depth continues to build. The competition for minutes that Ed Davis has now, in contrast to Demar, will only help accelerate his development.
I have been hoping for a crafy veteran presence to mentor Demar at SG. It wasn’t in the cards this offseason, I think BC did the best he could with the abbreviated offseason. I am hopeful someone will be added over the course of the season.
-Nick
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